# Different Training Methods in Esports
  
## Introduction

In traditional sports, success comes from consistent, focused training—and **esports is no different**. Behind every tournament-winning play are **hours of targeted practice**, from mechanical drills and strategy breakdowns to psychological conditioning and team communication exercises.

This guide explores:

* The key **types of training** used in esports
* **Genre-specific examples**
* Tools and platforms pros use
* Real-world references and interviews
* Fun facts and links to further reading

Whether you’re a student, aspiring pro, or educator, understanding **how esports players train** reveals the depth and professionalism behind the growing industry.

  

## Why Do Esports Players Train?

Training in esports is all about improving performance across five core areas:

1. **Mechanical Skill** – Precision, reaction, consistency
2. **Game Knowledge** – Strategy, map awareness, decision-making
3. **Communication** – Team synergy, clarity, timing
4. **Physical Wellness** – Endurance, posture, injury prevention
5. **Mental Strength** – Focus, confidence, stress control

Each area requires a different **method of training**, tailored to the game's genre, player role, and competition level.

  

## Core Categories of Esports Training Methods

| Training Type | Focus | Examples |
| ------------------------------- | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------ |
| **Mechanical Training** | Reflexes, aim, input accuracy | Aim trainers, combo drills |
| **Tactical/Strategic Training** | Macro game sense, rotations | VoD review, team scrims |
| **Communication Training** | Verbal/non-verbal synergy | Comm drills, mic reviews |
| **Physical Training** | Ergonomics, stamina, posture | Stretching, fitness routines |
| **Mental Training** | Focus, mindset, resilience | Sports psychology, mindfulness |

Let’s explore each in detail.

  

## 1. Mechanical Training Methods

### Goal: Improve physical execution, speed, and precision.

### Common Drills

* **Aim Trainers** (FPS): [Aim Lab](https://aimlab.gg/), [Kovaak’s FPS Aim Trainer](https://store.steampowered.com/app/824270/KovaaKs/)
* **Combo Execution Practice** (Fighting games, MOBAs)
* **Last Hit Training** (*League of Legends*, *Dota 2*)
* **Editing Drills** (*Fortnite*)
* **Free Kick/Penalty Practice** (FIFA, eFootball)

### Genre Examples

| Game Type | Example |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| **FPS** | Crosshair placement and flick tracking routines |
| **MOBA** | Skillshot training, orb walking, animation cancelling |
| **Fighting** | Frame-perfect input timing |
| **RTS** | High APM hotkey loops and multitasking tasks |

### Real-World Example

**TenZ (Valorant)** practices for 30–60 minutes daily on Aim Lab using custom playlists to sharpen flick accuracy and consistency.

> “Your muscle memory is everything. If your hands aren’t warmed up, your aim suffers.”
> – *TenZ* in [Aim Lab Interview](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kqg5UVAQGec)

  

## 2. Tactical/Strategic Training Methods

### Goal: Develop understanding of game flow, rotations, timing, and team-level decision-making.

### Training Types

#### A. **VoD Review**

* Players and coaches watch recordings to:

* Identify mistakes
* Analyse map control and objectives
* Discuss timing errors or poor decisions

#### B. **Scrims (Scrimmages)**

* Practice matches against other teams
* Usually “best-of-3” or “best-of-5” formats
* Often not streamed and recorded for private review

#### C. **Theory Sessions**

* Team sits with coach to study:

* Win conditions
* Meta strategies
* Opponent analysis

### Tools Used

* [Mobalytics](https://mobalytics.gg/) (LoL)
* [Stratz](https://stratz.com/) (Dota 2)
* [Tracker.gg](https://tracker.gg/) (Valorant, Apex, CoD)
* Google Slides or whiteboards for session planning

### Real-World Example

**G2 Esports (Valorant)** uses tactical dry runs where players walk through strategy on maps like *Ascent* or *Split* without enemies to plan rotations and smoke timings.

  

## 3. Communication Training Methods

### Goal: Build effective team communication through practice and reflection.

### Common Methods

#### A. **Mic Discipline Drills**

* Players practice **clear, concise callouts**
* Coaches track who talks too much/too little

#### B. **Silent Rounds**

* Practice sessions where only one designated caller can speak
* Builds discipline and trust in comms

#### C. **VoD with Audio**

* Reviewing gameplay with voice recording
* Focus on call timing, tone, clarity

#### D. **Ping-Only Practice**

* MOBA or FPS games with verbal comms off, using only non-verbal cues (map pings, movement, signals)

### Real-World Example

**Astralis (CS2)** famously trained verbal structure where each round had a designated “early, mid, and late” game caller. Every player had a role in comms flow.

> “Communication wins games more than aim does. Everyone must know what comes next.”
> – *dev1ce* (Astralis)

  

## 4. Physical Training Methods

### Goal: Maintain physical health to support high-performance gaming.

Esports athletes risk:

* **Repetitive strain injuries**
* **Back/neck issues**
* **Eye fatigue**
* **Fatigue-related mistakes**

### Training Components

| Focus | Examples |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------- |
| **Stretching** | Finger, wrist, neck, shoulder routines |
| **Ergonomics** | Custom chairs, mice, keyboards |
| **Fitness** | Gym sessions, yoga, cardio workouts |
| **Eye Care** | Blue light filters, 20-20-20 rule |
| **Nutrition** | Hydration, brain-focused diets |

### Real-World Example

**Team Liquid** partners with physiotherapists to offer:

* Daily stretching
* Fitness classes
* Custom ergonomic evaluations

  

## 5. Mental and Psychological Training Methods

### Goal: Build focus, confidence, and emotional control under pressure.

Mental performance is often what separates Tier 1 players from everyone else.

### Common Techniques

#### A. **Mindfulness and Meditation**

* 5–10 minute daily routines to reduce stress
* Apps: [Headspace](https://www.headspace.com/), [Waking Up](https://www.wakingup.com/)

#### B. **Mental Coaching**

* Working with esports psychologists (e.g., Mia Stellberg, Weldon Green)
* Techniques include:

* Pre-game visualisation
* Focus drills
* Performance journaling

#### C. **Stress Management**

* Breathing exercises
* Refocusing tactics after mistakes
* Reframing negative thoughts (“I lost” becomes “I learned”)

#### D. **Routine Building**

* Sleep, wake-up, and match prep rituals to reduce anxiety

### Real-World Example

**Fnatic’s LoL team** uses sports psychologists and mindfulness training before stage matches.

> “Mind control is real. Most losses are mental.”
> – *Rekkles*, Fnatic

  

## Team-Based Training Structures

### 1. **Bootcamps**

* Short-term intensive training camps (often in person)
* Teams live and train together for up to 2 weeks
* Focused on team bonding, strategy, LAN preparation

### 2. **Role-Based Scrim Blocks**

* Targeted practices:

* Entry fraggers
* Supports
* In-game leaders (IGLs)
* Tailored feedback and repetition

### 3. **Routine Schedule**

| Time | Activity |
| ----- | ------------------------------- |
| 10:00 | Warm-up & aim drills |
| 11:00 | Team strategy session |
| 12:00 | Scrim block 1 (Bo3) |
| 14:00 | Lunch + recovery |
| 15:00 | Scrim block 2 |
| 17:00 | VoD review |
| 18:00 | Individual drills or solo queue |
| 20:00 | Fitness/stretching, wind-down |

  

## Training in Different Genres

| Genre | Key Training Focus |
| ---------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **FPS (Valorant, CS2)** | Aim, utility timing, team comms, map strategy |
| **MOBA (LoL, Dota 2)** | Wave management, rotations, cooldown tracking |
| **RTS (SC2, AoE)** | Build orders, multitasking, APM refinement |
| **Fighting Games** | Input precision, matchup theory, reaction reads |
| **Battle Royale (Apex, Fortnite)** | Loot pathing, rotation timing, fight win % |
| **Sports Sims (FIFA, NBA 2K)** | Set plays, player movement, precision timing |

  

## Fun and Interesting Facts

* **StarCraft II pro Serral** trains with **over 300 APM** and does hotkey drills daily.
* **League of Legends** players use **eye-tracking tools** during VoD review to spot “tunnel vision” habits.
* Many pro teams now use **HR monitors** to track **in-game stress** levels during scrims.
* **Red Bull Esports Lab** analyses player **reaction times and accuracy** under fatigue.

  

## Useful Tools & Resources

* **Aim Trainers**:
[https://aimlab.gg](https://aimlab.gg)
[https://store.steampowered.com/app/824270/KovaaKs/](https://store.steampowered.com/app/824270/KovaaKs/)

* **Game Analytics Platforms**:
[https://mobalytics.gg](https://mobalytics.gg) (LoL)
[https://tracker.gg](https://tracker.gg) (Valorant, Apex, CoD)

* **VoD Analysis Tools**:
[https://stratz.com](https://stratz.com) (Dota 2)
[https://proview.lolesports.com](https://proview.lolesports.com) (LoL replays)

* **Mental Training Apps**:
[https://www.headspace.com](https://www.headspace.com)
[https://www.wakingup.com](https://www.wakingup.com)

* **British Esports Training Advice**:
[https://britishesports.org/education](https://britishesports.org/education)

  

## Final Thoughts

Esports training is as multifaceted and demanding as traditional athletic training. Top players and teams:

* Practice aim and execution daily
* Analyse strategies and opponent patterns
* Build strong communication systems
* Care for their bodies and minds like elite athletes

By incorporating a **well-rounded training plan**, players can raise their performance ceiling, avoid burnout, and stay sharp in an increasingly competitive ecosystem.